Christians followed The Way of the Cross during the re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Friday. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio.

Some religious leaders on Friday called for peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness among South Sudanese as the country marks Easter holidays.

Christians from across the country commemorated the Good Friday event to re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.

James Ninrew Dong, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan said parties to the 2018 peace accord must transition the country into lasting peace.

In his Easter message, Ninrew said he acknowledges the challenges facing the parties but stressed that South Sudanese wants peace at all costs.    

“We in the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan raise prayers about the implementation of the peace agreement because we believe it is the only way out for South Sudan to be peaceful again,” he said.

“Therefore, the implementation of the peace agreement in letter and spirit is key and that will be the only given to be given to the South Sudanese people.”

“Surely we are aware of the hiccups and difficulties in the implementation. Therefore we urge the parties to raise up to the task and responsibilities before them.”

The religious leader said the church trusts that the leaders will not take the country back to war no matter the challenges facing the agreement.

On his part, Samuel Enosa Peni, the Archbishop of Western Equatoria Internal Province of the Episcopal Church urged the people to have hope.

Enosa Peni said that having faith in Jesus Christ will enable South Sudanese to overcome some of the challenges facing the country.

“Whatever worries, you have you don’t have school fees, you have worries of sickness, high cost of living, peace in the country, let  all South Sudanese ask God this time that the God who rolled away the stone which blocked the tomb, God should roll that away from us.”

Meanwhile Matthew Remijio Adam, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wau says there is need for peace, reconciliation and forgiveness as the country observe Easter festival.

“People all around you are lonely and feeling hopeless. People are thirsty for hearing the word of God, they are longing for peaceful coexistence to live a reconciliation and forgiving one another.”

“Easter calls us to promote with renewed vigor the sanctity of human life with grateful and joy hearts.”

“Easter calls us to move beyond the tomb with conviction to share the good news of the resurrection with one another.”